Wednesday, January 21, 2009

We had some new experiences this year at the Kansas Grapegrowers and Winemakers meeting. What a fun time! The meeting was in Emporia, KS and had a great program. JoAnn and Terry and everyone who worked on it did a great job of putting it together. Thank you!

The first new experience was when I was asked to be a judge at the Amateur Wine competition. I've never judged wines before, though I have a lot of experience tasting them. It was really fun to see what the winemakers were doing, and an honor to be asked to participate. Dave was very jealous that they asked me, but he was quite supportive. And I have to say, it is hard work! To keep perspective when tasting a lot of wines, and to offer useful feedback, is a challenge. But fun.

The next new experience was when one of our wines was chosen for the banquet which culminated the weekend. The meal was excellent, and the chef had chosen wines specifically to complement the menu. Our Barrel Reserve White was chosen for the first course, to accompany a bacon wrapped quail with a poblano chile stuffing. It was awesome, and we were thrilled that the wine went with it so well.

The whole weekend was fun, with lots of opportunities to see old friends and to make new ones. We are really excited about the Kansas wine industry, and the strides it is making in both quality and volume. We are honored to be a part of it.

Now we're home, getting ready to bottle the first of the 2008 vintage. All the labels are approved, thank goodness, and the bottles are ordered. Spring will be here in no time!